Leafs Sign Free Agent Kyle Rogers

Cliff Fletcher, vice-president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Saturday that the hockey club has agreed to terms with Niagara University Purple Eagles (NCAA) free agent right-winger Kyle Rogers to a two-year Entry Level contract.

“Kyle has tremendous size, has very good speed and is a very effective physical player,” said Fletcher. “We look forward to Kyle joining the Toronto Marlies for the balance of the regular season and playoffs. We are very pleased to have him begin his professional career in the Toronto Maple Leaf organization.”

Rogers, a 23-year-old native of Erie, Pennsylvania, recently completed his third season with Niagara University. The 6’3, 215-pound winger scored the game-winning goal in the 2008 CHA Tournament Championship game for the Purple Eagles in a 3-2 win over Bemidji State on March 16. Rogers was also named to the CHA All-Tournament Team. Niagara University advanced to the 2008 NCAA Tournament Regionals before being eliminated by Michigan on Friday in Albany, New York.

Rogers played 34 games for Niagara University this season, and established career highs in goals (10), assists (13), points (23) and penalty minutes (40). In three seasons with the Purple Eagles, Rogers played 97 games and collected 18 goals and 22 assists for 40 points, along with 89 minutes in penalties.